Author: Rachel Ravencraft

Rexing Elected New NMPF Chairman

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF chose Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, as it NMPF’s 15th chairman Nov. 10 at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after NMPF’s board of governors approved his nomination.

“I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.”

Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, IN, milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer. Brian and Ranell have four children. He is the Vice President of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award 2010. In 2021, Brian purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. Brian is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee.

Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected Nov. 10.

“It is one of the great honors of my life to work alongside so many dedicated farmer-leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy,” said Mooney. “I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing — a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines NMPF and our entire industry.”

NMPF’s Officers and Executive Committee will consist of:

  • Chairman Brian Rexing — Dairy Farmers of America
  • 1st Vice Chairman Cricket Jacquier — Agri-Mark, Inc.
  • 2nd Vice Chairman Simon Vander Woude — California Dairies, Inc.
  • Secretary Craig Caballero — United Dairymen of Arizona
  • Treasurer Pete Kappelman — Land O’Lakes
  • Sheryl Meshke — AMPI
  • Rob Vandenheuvel — California Dairies, Inc.
  • Melvin Medeiros — Dairy Farmers of America
  • Randy Mooney — Dairy Farmers of America
  • Joel Eigenbrood — Foremost Farms
  • Brian Hemann — Lone Star Milk Producers
  • Jon Cowell — Maola Local Dairies
  • Doug Chapin — Michigan Milk Producers Association
  • Frank Doll — Prairie Farms
  • Jacob Larson — Southeast Milk, Inc.

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s board of directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates, a broader group than the board, include:

  • Amy Humphreys — Northwest Dairy Association
  • Kurt Williams — Lanco Pennland
  • Stephen Mancebo — Land O’Lakes
  • Brian Hemann — Lone Star Milk Producers
  • Will Dyt — California Dairies, Inc.

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to former NMPF board members Jim Werkhoven of the Northwest Dairy Association and Joey Fernandes of Land O’Lakes.

NMPF, the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association co-host the meeting. The meeting of roughly 750 farmers also featured breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook and the role of Artificial Intelligence in communications to dairy labor challenges.

Whole Milk Nearly Back in Schools as NMPF Leads Advocacy

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

U.S. Senate passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act opens a path to congressional passage this month, with NMPF leading an advocacy campaign to ensure prompt House of Representatives approval of legislation that will benefit children’s nutrition.

The Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Nov. 20, leaving only House passage and a presidential signature before improved access to dairy nutrition in schools becomes law. The bill provides schools with the option of serving whole and 2% milk in addition to the 1%, fat-free, and flavored options currently offered.

Whole and 2% milk are the most consumed varieties at home, offering the same 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium and vitamin D with a taste kids often prefer.

“Restoring schools’ option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement after Senate passage. “This commonsense legislation will help American children get back on solid nutritional footing. We’re grateful that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree on the importance of making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children.”

Following the Senate’s action, NMPF last week launched a final advocacy campaign to get whole milk over the finish line and into schools. Dairy farmers and advocates wishing to urge their House members to bring the legislation to a floor vote can visit NMPF’s advocacy page and enter their message. NMPF is staying active on social media and in news outlets, pushing to get the bill on the House calendar.

USDA removed whole and 2% milk from school meals programs beginning in 2012 as part of an effort to slow obesity in American kids, a move based on science and nutrition advice that is now outdated. Research over the past decade has found that milk at all fat levels has a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart disease.

A bill similar to this year’s overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, R-PA, has led the charge in the House on this issue for years, with Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, as coauthor, and this bill is expected to pass with strong bipartisan support once again.

The Senate legislation was co-sponsored by Sens. Roger Marshall, R-KS, Peter Welch, D-VT, Dave McCormick, R-PA, and John Fetterman, D-PA. Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, led the committee in approving the bill by voice vote in June.

Dairy = Growth, Expansion, Opportunity and Optimism

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Editor’s Note: This column is adapted from remarks given Nov. 11 at NMPF’s Annual Meeting.

 

I love where we are in this industry right now. We are right where we want to be.

Yes, there are going to be challenges. Yes, there’s going to be uncertainty. But we’re in expansion mode. And I love it.

What I want the theme to be today, in our industry, is growth and expansion and opportunity and optimism. I understand that that’s tough to do when you’re in Washington DC these days. It’s a tough place to do business. It’s a tough place to get anything done.

But the relationships that the National Milk Producers Federation has are unbelievably strong. Whether it’s Senator Thune or Chairman GT Thompson, up one side and down the other. The unbelievable work, unbelievable work that has gone in on getting whole milk in schools, by Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas, and Senator Welch from Vermont. Bipartisan work.

I want to give you a quick status on whole milk in schools, and where we are. We’re so close on this one, and this is a huge thing. Not just for U.S. consumers, and for all of us who have kids in school, but it’s just doing the right thing.

Meanwhile, the One Big Beautiful tax bill is a monumental accomplishment in terms of our global competitiveness. I know the tariffs are disruptive, but that’s a small piece of what amounts to a U.S. industrial policy. We have a tax policy that I think makes us really competitive globally — and not only does that help us on the farm in terms of confidence and investment, but the bill holds other benefits as well: the Section 199A depreciation, the estate tax, the increase in the reference prices for soybeans and wheat, the extension of DMC through 2031 — all were in that bill, folks. That was a critical piece that we got done.

In terms of global competitiveness, we also have to continue with trade deals. USTR is working day and night. These deals are going to matter. We’ve got deals done with Malaysia and Cambodia. And you say, “Well, my goodness, is that a really big deal?” Yes, because these deals got rid of barriers, we got rid of restrictions. We’ve got some really good trade agreements coming, too, in terms of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. If you’ve noticed, and think about where the president was recently in those countries, those are all the countries that border China, folks. And that’s the really interesting thing: In terms of strategy, the president said, “Well, I’m going to make sure that I go visit all these countries first, before I talk to President Xi in China.” That’s not by coincidence.

Having the opportunity to have duty-free access into Southeast Asia is something that we have wanted across all of agriculture, and in particular in the dairy industry, for a long, long time. That’s going to make a huge difference for us.

Along with these opportunities, we also have some of the best leaders in this industry. Our new NEXT program is an exciting part of our trade future, and the implementation and the federal milk marketing order has been really, really smooth so far. The ability for you to be unanimous in what you wanted as an industry, as you presented this to the government, made all the difference.

As a former government official, I can tell you, when you’re not unanimous, that gives that government official the ability to kind of pick and choose what they want to do. When you come in and say, “This is unanimous, this is what we want to do,” you’ve got no wiggle room as the government official. You’ve got to implement this. And that’s why you were so successful in this.

I want to talk briefly about 2026. At NMPF we have done some strategic planning, and we’ve got some work to do on government, governance, leadership development. The YC program is an unbelievable asset for us in this industry. Thank you all for participating in that. But one of the things we’re going to change at National Milk as soon as this meeting is over is, we’re going to try to have a new lease on life on state issues. You’ve got somewhere between 150 and 200 different pieces of state legislation in the food business right now, and in agriculture. We’re going to try to tackle this, not to lobby on these issues, but just to keep track of what we have going on and to be able to coordinate.

On the trade side, we’ve got the USMCA review. We’re constantly dealing with China. We’ve got a farm bill to finish, and then of course, we have a midterm election here coming this fall. And a challenge to 2026 is, you’re going to have your folks that represent you at home say, “Well, we’ll get to that after the midterm election.”

Well, this immigration issue can’t wait for that, folks. It is without question our number one issue in dairy, but across all of agriculture, in my opinion. And I think, to give you the charge today on all of this, I think we need to remind our elected officials that we’ve got to milk the cows every day. We have to do what we do every day. We don’t have time to wait for the inconvenience of an election to get things done in Washington.

So your charge today is this: We are expanding, we are growing, we are doing well. We have great relationships, and we look forward to the year we have ahead. I’m optimistic.

Gregg Doud

President & CEO, NMPF

 

NMPF Praises Senate Passage of Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Milk Producers Federation celebrated today’s latest step toward better nutrition for children, as the Senate passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by unanimous consent.

The Senate’s unanimous support for the legislation means that only House passage and a presidential signature remain before improved access to dairy nutrition in schools becomes law. This bill would provide schools with the option of serving whole and 2% milk in addition to the 1%, fat-free, and flavored options currently offered.

Whole and 2% milk are the most consumed varieties at home, offering the same 13 essential nutrients including protein, calcium and vitamin D with a taste kids often prefer.

“Restoring schools’ option to offer whole and reduced-fat milk will mean more schoolkids will get the essential nutrients they need,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “This commonsense legislation will help American children get back on solid nutritional footing. We’re grateful that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree on the importance of making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children.”

The Senate measure is sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall, R-KS, Peter Welch, D-VT, Dave McCormick, R-PA, and John Fetterman, D-PA. Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman, R-AR, and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, led the committee in approving the bill by voice vote in June.

“We thank Senators Marshall and Welch for their passionate advocacy for getting this bill over the finish line in committee and on the floor. Their leadership made this win possible,” Doud said.

Whole and 2% milk were removed from school meals programs beginning in 2012 as part of an effort to slow obesity in American kids that was based on science and nutrition advice that is now outdated. Research over the past decade has found that milk at all fat levels has a neutral or positive effect on health outcomes, ranging from obesity and diabetes to heart disease.

With Senate approval, the next step is House passage. A similar bill overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives in 2023 but stalled in the Senate. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, R-PA, has led the charge in the House on this issue for years, with Rep. Kim Schrier, D-WA, as coauthor, and this bill is expected to pass with strong bipartisan support once again.

Dairy will always lead through unity

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Randy Mooney, NMPF Chairman 2008-2025

Editor’s note: This is an edited transcript of the author’s remarks at the National Milk Producers Federation’s annual meeting Nov. 11 in Arlington, Texas.

I’ve been part of National Milk for more than two decades, and I’m in awe with how this industry has grown and evolved while never losing sight of who we serve: the dairy farmers. As many of you know, this is my last annual meeting as chairman. And while I’ll continue to serve on the board, this moment marks a meaningful transition.

I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing, a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines national milk in our entire industry. I’ve known Brian for a long time, and he always gets the job done.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and I’ve seen firsthand the grit and work it takes to move something forward. It all happens when people come together. We roll up our sleeves and stand shoulder to shoulder, stay rooted in shared values, and keep the course. We’ve done just that, working as one as we’ve built something we should be very, very proud of.

We’ve built stronger foundations for dairy farmers across the country by ensuring that each and every day, farmers, no matter the size of their operation or where they call home, have the tools, the support, and the representation they need to succeed on their operation for generations to come. We’ve moved the industry forward on major policy fronts and together, we’ve made our collective voice stronger in Washington.

We’ve improved coordination across the industry, and we continue investing in programs that secure markets for U.S. milk and dairy products, capturing bipartisan wins along the way. We’ve created and continued to evolve the FARM program. Together, we’ve developed and adopted a program that our customers and our consumers recognize, a program that nearly 100% of farmers in the country belong to. We’ve developed risk management tools starting out in 2009 that have evolved into DMC and DRP, which recognizes different sizes of farms. Now, those aren’t perfect, but they are risk management tools that we didn’t have in the past.

On taxes, we’ve worked to make certain that our co-ops and our farmers benefited from the tax breaks in the One Big Beautiful Bill. This includes Section 199 and estate tax issues that allow us to pass the farm on to the next generation. We’ve advocated in farm bills for policies that strengthen farms, families, and growing children. On nutrition, we’ve worked on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, expanding healthy fluid milk incentive programs, child nutrition acts, and school meals. And by defending dairy’s name against plant-based beverages, we’ve driven home the message of dairy’s nutritional superiority. We took three years updating the Federal Milk Marketing Order program into a system that reflects today’s market’s realities.

On trade policy, we’ve worked on bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations and dairy export incentive programs. We’re currently working with the administration on tariffs and trade policies. We fought to protect dairy’s rightful place in the American diet through the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, reminding policy makers that 90% of the people in this country don’t get enough dairy. On our workforce — our labor — we’ve tackled one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: advocating for the H-2A reform recommendations through the Ag Labor Working Group and working to ensure dairy has access to a reliable year-round workforce.

At National Milk, that’s the number one issue to solve right now. I applaud the administration for securing the border, but we also need immigration reform so we can have ag labor on our farms. We need to be specific about what we want. So, you’re going to see National Milk setting up a task force of some of the leaders in this room to figure that out. Then, we’re going to have to be nimble. As it goes through Congress, things change. We’re going to have to be able to change and adapt and to make sure that we fit into whatever legislation that gets passed.

And we remain resilient throughout all of this, because that’s the dairy community. We show up for each other. We work to make sure funds are available to help dairy farmers who have been devastated by natural disasters. And one thing stands clear. When we work together, there is nothing that we can’t accomplish. When we work as one, when we speak with one voice, when we lead with unity and purpose, there’s almost nothing that we can’t do.

The challenges ahead are real, from labor to climate pressures, to market volatility and changing consumer expectations, but our momentum is real as well. We have strong leadership in place. We have dedicated farmer leaders who are ready to step up, and we have a legacy of resilience, innovation, and integrity to build upon.

To the farmers in the room, thank you. You are the heart of this organization. You’re the ones who’ve shown what’s possible when we lead with unity and purpose, when resiliency is alive and at the core of who we are as the dairy farmers. You’ve made me proud to serve on your behalf in this position, and I’m deeply optimistic about what’s to come. Thank you very much.

 

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Nov. 20, 2025.

The Guard Changes at NMPF

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF elected Indiana dairy farmer Brian Rexing as its 15th chairman at its annual meeting last week, succeeding Randy Mooney of Rogersville, MO, who had served in the position for the past 17 years.

This week’s Dairy Defined Podcast is taken from their remarks at the meeting in Arlington, TX, with Mooney reflecting on his tenure and dairy’s future and Rexing outlining his hope for the years to come.

To hear more Dairy Defined podcasts, you can find and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music under the podcast name “Dairy Defined.”

NMPF Annual Meeting Spotlights Farmer Progress

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

U.S. dairy farmers are thriving in the marketplace even as labor shortages and a volatile policy environment remain challenges, dairy industry leaders stressed at NMPF’s annual meeting.

U.S. dairy is well-positioned for growth, NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in remarks at the meeting held jointly by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association, which concluded today.

“I love where we are in this industry right now, today, folks,” he said, noting $11 billion in new dairy-plant investment currently underway nationwide. “Yes, there’s going to be uncertainty. My goodness, there’s uncertainty. But we’re in expansion mode. And I love it.”

Dairy producers in the past year have grappled with workforce instability and a shifting trade environment even as consumer demand has remained strong and the benefits of dairy are increasingly recognized in the nutrition and policy communities. But the firm foundation built for dairy over the past several years bodes well for the industry’s future, said outgoing NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, who used his remarks to reflect on 17 years leading NMPF’s Board of Directors.

“We’ve built a stronger foundation for dairy farmers across the country by ensuring that each and every day, farmers, no matter the size of their operation are where they call home, have the tools, the support, and the representation they need to succeed on their operation for generations to come,” he said. “We’ve moved the industry forward on major policy fronts, and together, we’ve made collective voice stronger in Washington.”

NMPF’s Board of Directors selected Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, as NMPF’s next chairman on Monday. Also highlighting the meeting was USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, who addressed the meeting Tuesday.

Featured panelists at the meeting’s general session included Doud, who appeared with fellow dairy CEOs Barb O’Brien of Dairy Management Inc. and Krysta Harden of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. A session on revenue opportunities for dairy farmers featuring Katie Cook, Vice President, Farm Animal Sustainability, Elanco Animal Health; Mark Purdy, Director of Product and Portfolio Management, Meristem; and Joel Ysselstein, General Manager, Meadowvale Dairy, also highlighted the event.

The meeting, which ran Nov. 9-12, included discussions of dairy workforce challenges, how the MAHA movement is shaping consumer taste and how AI is upending agriculture.

The annual meeting is held in conjunction with NMPF’s Young Cooperators annual meeting for younger dairy leaders, as well as NMPF’s annual cheese and dairy products competition. In the contest, the top prize was taken by Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for its Habanero Ghost Jack, while Lanco Pennland took the overall Reserve Chairman’s award with its Sweet Cheddar. A full list of winners is here.

 

Trust Defines Dairy Despite Divisions

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Success in a splintered world often comes down to one thing: trust. Farmers are fortunate to have it, and we are proud to keep building it.

Despite misinformation, despite self-interested attempts to separate Americans from the farmers who serve them the safest, most nutritious food in the world on a daily basis, consumer confidence in farmers outstrips other aspects of the U.S. food system. According to the Ketchum Appetite for Change consumer research study, a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults done in July 2025, 79% of Americans trust farmers to “do the right thing” in serving the public, easily the most trust in any single link of the food chain.

That’s more than grocery stores. That’s more than food companies. That’s more than the MAHA movement. It’s a testament to public appreciated for the hard work farmers do every day as the bedrock of nutrition — and in turn, it’s a responsibility farmers take seriously.

This week, the most important gathering of U.S. dairy farmers seeking better public policy for agriculture is taking place in Dallas. The National Milk Producers Federation is honored to serve those who do the right thing for American consumers and looks forward to the change to enhance its leadership in Washington and across the country.

And dairy farmers are proud to be a premier source of nourishment for Americans, and for the world, continuing to earn that trust that’s essential to our splintered-world success.

Kinler Shares Expo Highlights, Previews Annual Meeting

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF Senior Director of Board, State and Member Relations Casey Kinler shares with Dairy Radio Now listeners highlights from NMPF’s sessions at World Dairy Expo in October and teases what’s to come at the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting Nov. 10-12 in Arlington, TX.

Dairy leaders: Honor tradition, create tomorrow

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Megan and Tim Schrupp, 2025 Chairs for the National Young Cooperators Program

Across America, a new generation of dairy farmers are stepping into leadership roles, bringing innovation, passion, and a fresh perspective to the industry. Driven by a deep devotion to the dairy industry, these emerging leaders are redefining traditional farming with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, and are capitalizing on opportunities that foster connection, communication and collaboration within their communities — showing that the next generation of dairy farmers is ready to carry the tradition forward with energy and innovation. Their commitment not only strengthens the agricultural backbone, but also inspires a renewed confidence in rural America.

Supporting them in this endeavor is the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program. Established in 1950 and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the YC Program has dedicated 75 years to training and leadership development for beginning dairy farmers, helping them become effective managers and influential leaders while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of their farms. The program offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, tools, and support through both in-person and virtual events. It also builds a vibrant national network of peers, allowing young dairy farmers to share experiences, address challenges, and collaborate on solutions. Through this connected community, farmers receive valuable support and guidance as they grow in their roles and contribute to the future of the dairy industry.

This past year, we have been fortunate to have served as the chairpersons of the Advisory Board for the YC Program. Our dairy, NexGen Dairy, is a fourth-generation dairy farm and member-owner of First District Association in central Minnesota. Through our involvement in the YC Program, we have witnessed firsthand the bright future of the dairy industry, meeting numerous young dairy farmers from across the country.

While change and challenges are constant, we feel more than ever that our generation is faced with the requirement for an ever-expanding skill set that goes beyond traditional dairy practices. However, young farmers are rising to the challenge and are not only mastering cow and forage management, genetics, and business operations, but also excelling in employee leadership, advanced technology, and market economics. Many young dairy farmers also actively engage in understanding milk pricing, sustainability, and regulatory changes, ensuring their farms thrive in a competitive environment. They are embracing collaboration and ongoing learning, building strong networks with peers and industry leaders, and creating a supportive community that empowers them to succeed and shape the future of dairy farming with resilience and optimism.

Engaging with fellow young dairymen and women through the YC Program, we have observed the determination, talent, and sense of community that defines this new generation of dairy leaders. Witnessing other dairy farmers’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regulatory affairs has highlighted for us the promising path forward for our industry as a whole. We, as young farmers, are not only honoring the traditions that built American dairy, but also boldly reimagining its future. With continued investment from groups such as NMPF, focusing on leadership, innovation, and collaboration, the future of dairy farming rests in capable hands — ensuring our industry will continue to nourish and connect communities for generations to come.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Nov. 6, 2025.